5 Top Via Ferratas in Colorado To Explore

Via Ferratas, or “Iron Roads,” are thrilling climbing routes that offer a combination of hiking and rock climbing with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges to ensure safety. Colorado, with its rugged mountains and stunning landscapes, is home to some of the best Via Ferratas in the United States. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a first-timer looking for a new adventure, Colorado’s Via Ferratas provide an adrenaline-packed way to explore the state’s most breathtaking scenery. In this post you will learn about 5 of the top ones to explore if you’re visiting the state, as well as all the other details including ticket prices, when to go and more. Let’s begin:

Telluride Via Ferrata:

Location: Telluride, Colorado
Ticket Prices: Guided tours start at around $250 per person (get tickets here)
Best Time to Go: Late May to early October when the snow has melted and conditions are ideal.
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Nearby hotels: Check listings
Sights: The Telluride Via Ferrata is one of the most famous in North America, offering stunning views of the Box Canyon and the charming town of Telluride below. As you traverse the cliffside, you’ll have panoramic views of Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, and the San Juan Mountains. The heart-pounding exposure along the route is what makes this Via Ferrata so unique.

This route is exhilarating with sheer drop-offs, but its built-in safety cables and footholds ensure a secure experience. The combination of hiking and vertical climbing makes it accessible even for beginners with a good level of fitness.

Royal Gorge Via Ferrata:

Location: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Cañon City, Colorado
Ticket Prices: Guided tours start at $135 for a half-day tour and $189 for a full-day tour. Park admission fees are also required, around $32 per adult. There’s also many other things to do in the area.
Best Time to Go: Spring to Fall (April to October)
Duration: Half-day (3 hours) or full-day (6 hours) tours
Nearby hotels: Check listings
Sights: The Royal Gorge Via Ferrata offers a one-of-a-kind experience with views of the Arkansas River 1,200 feet below. This Via Ferrata is located within Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, so you’ll also have the chance to see the iconic suspension bridge and ride the park’s gondola for even more stunning views.

The Via Ferrata here is perfect for both beginners and experienced adventurers. Along the route, you’ll be able to stop at overlooks that offer incredible photo opportunities of the gorge and surrounding cliffs.

Via Ferrata at Cave of the Winds

Location: Manitou Springs, Colorado
Ticket Prices: Guided tours cost around $120 per person. See best things to do here (including the Via Ferrata).
Best Time to Go: May through September
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Nearby hotels: Check listings
Sights: This Via Ferrata is located at the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park and offers climbers a chance to scale vertical rock faces while overlooking stunning views of Williams Canyon. The adventure begins at the park’s entrance, and you’ll cross suspension bridges, scale vertical walls, and enjoy 360-degree views of the rugged landscape.

While not as intense as some other Via Ferratas in the state, this one offers a more family-friendly and accessible option for beginners or those looking for a shorter climb.

Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata:

Location: Idaho Springs, Colorado (Arapahoe Basin)
Ticket Prices: Guided tours start at $159 per person (get tickets)
Best Time to Go: July through September
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Nearby hotels: Check listings
Sights: Idaho Springs Via Ferrata offers a thrilling combination of rock climbing, rappelling, and ziplining, with views of Clear Creek and the Continental Divide. Located at the base of Arapahoe Basin, this Via Ferrata takes climbers through steep rock walls while offering breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies.

The high-altitude experience makes this one particularly unique, as climbers start at around 12,000 feet, making it one of the highest Via Ferratas in North America.

AVA Granite Via Ferrata:

Location: Buena Vista, Colorado
Ticket Prices: Guided tours start at $185 per person (get tickets)
Best Time to Go: June to September
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Nearby hotels: Check listings
Sights: This Via Ferrata is a great choice for those seeking a physically challenging route with rewards in the form of panoramic mountain vistas.

Conclusion

Colorado’s Via Ferratas offer a thrilling way to explore the state’s mountains, with something for everyone, from adrenaline seekers to families looking for adventure. As I said before, this state has some of the best Via Ferratas in the United States. With diverse options ranging from the dramatic cliffs of Telluride to the towering views of the Royal Gorge, these Via Ferratas provide some of the most unique and scenic climbing experiences in the U.S. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, Colorado’s Via Ferratas will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the state’s rugged beauty.